You Should Watch: Enola Holmes
This Article was written by Hind Sahnoune, Year 12
Enola Holmes is a movie that came out on Netflix on the 23rd of September 2020.
Directed by Harry Bradbeer, this movie features Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes and
Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin as Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes.
The movie tells the story of Enola Holmes, Sherlock Holmes’ little sister.
Enola has lived in the countryside with her mother all her life, who raised her in a rather unconventional way. Her whole world gets turned upside down when, on the morning of her sixteenth birthday: her mother disappears without a trace.
This brings her brother's to return to their childhood home since they had left before Enola could remember. Sherlock becomes engrossed in solving the case of their missing mother whilst Mycroft sees his sister as a 'wild child' and tries to send her off to a finishing school. This is a nightmare come true for Enola. But before Mycroft has a chance to do that, Enola follows the clues that her mother left her, only to find a large amount of money...and so her own investigation of finding her mother begins.
This film is traced in feminist qualities as it focuses on a young female protagonist trying to find a way for herself in the unmatched society.
This movie shows the principal causes of misogyny in such a way that I’ve never seen before. Rather than just highlighting the actions of misogynistic characters and the dangers of their ideals and intentions to society; this movie focuses on the impact of people who simply do nothing.
“You have no interest in changing a world that suits you so well”
“You don’t know what it is to be without power”
These quotes are spoken by a character named Edith, played by Susie Wokoma.
Edith is a black woman that teaches a class of women martial arts. She is a representation of all minority groups who are perpetually challenged by discrimination and underrepresentation and embodies those who society has neglected throughout history. Her character undoubtedly still thoroughly resonates with countless of individuals around the world, especially those who have been placed in a corner of despair and who have lost their voice to those who have claimed their superiority over them.
Her lines show that the real problem with society at the time and even now; is those who are privileged enough to not be affected by the strains of humanity, who are not willing to do anything to help with those who are.
This movie is set in the year 1884. Enola’s mother, Eudoria Holmes, played by Helena Bonham Carter. Eudoria and Edith are both members of the suffragettes movement.
This is another aspect of the movie I find refreshing and unique. Most movies that follow the same paths have completely adapted to the Americanised views and focus on the later years of the suffrage movement (1900s: the time in which women gained their right to vote.) This movie shows us the beginning of the fight for equality and how much more difficult and dangerous it was then.
This movie is simply outstanding.
Enola sets such an outstanding example for young women today, showing that they too can be intelligent, strong and independent, despite anyone who says otherwise. The movie uncovers a romantic side, but it doesn’t allow this to mask the primary message. On the contrary, it helps advance the story, introducing a lovely contrast of narrative by portraying the boy as the damsel in distress. Viscount Tewksbury, played by Louis Partridge, is Enola’s developing love interest, as he is the source to her very first case. He displays great respect and gratitude towards her, which is unusual, considering the common nature in which the movie is set in. All in all, Tewksbury is a wholesome example of what healthy masculinity looks like.
This movie was casted, written and executed exceptionally well. I can't wait to see more of Enola Holmes, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel!
Go check it out & let us know your take on it!
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